Having just become an Eredivisie champion in record time, you’d expect PSV’s Joey Veerman to be turning his attention to the World Cup.
However, the 17-time international won’t be travelling with the Netherlands to the Americas amid a tangle with coach Ronald Koeman.
Veerman hasn’t played for his country since 2024, and Koeman has really stuck the boot in, not even including him in his 55-man longlist.
Asked about the snub after lifting the Eredivisie title shield with a 5-1 final day win, Veerman let loose.
“I think I was the only one in the Netherlands who actually expected not to be included,” he said.
“It is his own choice who he calls up, but then say that you make other choices and not that my character isn’t good.
“If you come up with press conferences like this every time, where you say that the character isn’t good…. Well, at some point you’re done with it. I’m done with it too.
“I didn’t do anything wrong at the 2024 European Championship and haven’t been included for two years since then.
“I am starting to get annoyed by those press conferences every time.”
He added: “If something had happened, I would have said so and been honest about it.
“What would I want to discuss with him? Nothing at all; he doesn’t need to call me anymore.
“Our physio, who is also with the national team, and Jerdy Schouten don’t understand it either.”
Insisting he’ll still back his country, he added: “This World Cup isn’t about me.
“Everyone wants the best for the Netherlands, but for me, it’s not going to happen. I will definitely watch, because I have a good bond with the guys. Yes, of course I’m going to watch.”
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